Hibernian will be paying a visit to Tannadice Park to take on Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday. The home side fell to a narrow defeat in their previous game, while the visitors got off to a winning start under a new manager. Can Hibernian make it two victories in a row?
Dundee United have seen their form decline in recent weeks. They are winless in their previous five matches and have suffered successive losses against Motherwell, Celtic, Livingston and Rangers. The Terrors’ last victory was back in November, when they defeated Aberdeen at home. They have been inconsistent since October and have struggled to put on a decent string of results.
Dundee United’s recent form has seen them slip to sixth in the Scottish Premiership with seven wins, four draws and eight losses in 19 matches. However, in their recent narrow 1-0 defeat against Rangers, there were some positive signs despite United’s depleted squad. James Tavernier’s penalty in the 71st minute gave the league leaders the advantage as they took three points at home. United manager Thomas Courts praised his young players who were given a chance in the starting XI in the absence of the club’s first-choice starters. Siegrist, Pawlett, and Harkes could return to the squad after missing out in last weekend’s defeat. Levitt, Smith, McNulty, Biamou and Neilson are expected to remain sidelined through injury while Fuchs is suspended.
Dundee United have performed well defensively this season, as indicated by the above chart. They have conceded joint-fourth lowest goals in the league. The Terrors concede an average of less than a goal per match.
In terms of successful defensive duels, Dundee United are placed fourth in the league. They average 37.61 successful defensive duels per match.
Hibernian got off to a winning start under new manager Shaun Maloney. The Hibs parted ways with Jack Ross, following a poor run in the Scottish Premiership, which saw them take one win in nine games. Ryan Porteous’ headed goal in the 64th minute proved sufficient to hand his side three points as they claimed a 1-0 win against Aberdeen in their recent match. Despite losing their League Cup final match against Celtic, the Hibs grabbed their second win in seven games and have climbed up to the fifth spot with seven wins, five draws, and seven losses in 19 matches. Following the win against Aberdeen, new manager Maloney praised his side’s performance and stated that the Hibs will look to build upon this victory. Doyle-Hayes could miss out on the match against Dundee United after coming off with an injury against Aberdeen. Kyle Magennis is still recuperating from a groin concern.
In terms of expected goals, the Hibs are placed at the fourth spot in the league, although they have been underperforming on their xG. They average 1.25 expected goals per match.
In terms of successful passes into the penalty area, Hibernian are placed at the third spot in the league. They average 9.75 successful passes into the penalty area per match.
Predicted XI
Dundee United (3-5-2): Carson; McMann, Mulgrew, Edwards; Sporle, Meekison, Moore, Mochrie, Watson; Clark, Glass.
Hibernian (3-4-1-2): Macey; McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon; Cadden, Gogic, Cambell, Doig; Allan; Boyle, Nisbet.
Prediction
Hibernian are favourites going into the match and should claim three points at Tannadice Park.
